THE LATE ALARMING FIRE.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume 1, Issue 1, 1 January 1855, Page 1

THE LATE ALARMING FIRE.

[From the "Southern Cross."] About a quarter past nine on Sunday evening. the inhabitants of Auckland were startled by the cry of fire. Numbers immediately rushed into

the streets, and it became known in a few minutes that the extensive stores of Mr. W. S. Grahaine, situated in Fort-street, were in flames. The military picket had just come past the Short-laud-street frontage to Mr. W. S. Grahanie's property, nothing at that time being visible, but before they had passed down the street more than 50 yards the cry was raised. The picket immediately returned, and within five minutes the military began to arrive, shortly afterwards followed by the engine belonging to the 58th regt The engine was soon at work as well as the very limited supply of water permitted, altho' the men were indefatigable in their exertions to procure it. At the same time another party covered the roof and front of Mr. Grahame's dwelling house., situated at the back of the store, with wet blankets to shield it fiom the flames, which by rhat time, owing to the kaurie gum, the pitch, and the flax, were terrific, enveloping the whole of the wooden stores and stabling. A third party worked at the beach front, endeavouring to arrest the progress of the flames in the direction of Fortstreet. At a quarter before ten, the heat was intense, the front of the dwelling house began to smoke, and notwithstanding the most strenuous exertions, actually caught fire several times. Fortunately, each time the element was mastered ; otherwise the whole of Shortland-street must have gone. - At this point, one of the most conspicious in daring and exertion was the Bev. Mr. Lloyd, minister of Si. Paul's Church. He was long the foremost man on the ridge of the roof, pouring water over the most exposed part of the house. About the same time the roof of the scoria store caught tire, at places along the side ridge where the lead had melted off; this, notwithstanding the intense heat, was overcome by a party on the roof. A tolerable supply of water (the tide unfortunately was out) was procured on the beach front, by a double line of soldiers to the river. The bonded store, which is situated at the back of the scoria store was in great danger, and it was to this point that the greatest attention was paid, the engine of the regiment being scarcely able to prevent the fire penetrating the door of the building, the safety of which involves that of a large portion of the town. By dint of enormous exertion, this was preserved and the flames confiued to the buildings immediately contiguous to that in which the fire originated. By 12 o'clock, all danger of its spreading further was at an end, though there was still an immense mass of timber and goods burning on the ground. Colonel Wynyard was early on the ground, and showed himself indefatigable. The conduct of the soldiers also was most praiseworthy throughout; in fact, but for their prompt and efficient aid/ Shortland-stveet, at least, must have fallen a sacrifice. We think that a more substantial acknowledgment of service than mere words should be made to them ; and we arc happy to learn that

it has already been set about,. Nor should it be forgotten that they have even suffered actual loss in the destruction of their clothes. Among the civilians we remarked, among others, Messrs. Brodie, D. Graham, Daldy, and Keesings, as unwearied in exertion; as also Mr. Fiolay, who unfortunately fell from the roof of the store and was severely injured. These names we mention as happening to have come under our own personal observation. The burning has been confined exclusively to Mr. Grahame's premises; though houses as for off as Official Bay also caught fire from the sparks carried on the air. The parties being on the outlook, however, were able to extinguish the flame in good time, or the houses in that distant locality would also have been destroyed. The extent of loss is yet unascertained. We have heard it estimated at about £IO,OOO. It is uncertain whether any part of the property be insured or not.

In addition to the above terse, and valuable account of this calamity, we may mention, thai several bands of natives came forward cheerfully with a helping hand. They removed from the prexises occupied by Dr. Thompson, and Captain' Cooper of the 58th regiment, all the furniture,! and valuables; aid was al=o afforded by them in! a variety of ways. The leaders of these natives were, John Hobbs, the Government Messenger, and Wm. Marsh Rangik iheke, of the Ngatiwha-j kaue tribe. Hobbs and his friend were not onlyj active themselves, but cheered on their men, from! time to time during the terrific conflagration, norj did they leave the spot till their services were no longer required. All the natives who exerted themselves on the late trying occasion, will be! pleased to laarn that honorable mention is made! of them in a letter which Mr. Grahame published in one of the Auckland Journals. i